Visit Martha Stewart Weddings Real Weddings Wedding Styles Seasonal Weddings Summer Weddings Summer Wedding Ideas You'll Want to Steal By Chloe Gorman Chloe Gorman Chloe is a digital editorial assistant for Martha Stewart Weddings. She graduated from Southern Connecticut State University and currently resides in Connecticut. Editorial Guidelines Updated on March 5, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Sotiris Tsakanikas Whether you're getting married at the start of the season in late June, at the tail-end in late September, or in the middle during either July or August, a summer wedding date affords you tons of opportunities to embrace the season on your big day. If you're taking advantage of the sunny forecast and tying the knot on the beach or serving your favorite seasonal treats (think ice cream or sliced watermelon), you already understand what the hottest months have to offer. Ultimately, it's easy to see why so many couples wed during the summer months. If you're one of those couples, consider the following summer wedding ideas—they'll help you curate the best-possible warm-weather event. Not sure how to begin adding seasonal details to your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception? Start with the basics: Capitalize on your outdoor wedding venue by hosting all of your festivities in the open air. The Secret Owl and Splendid Events took advantage of the beautiful nighttime summer weather by holding this reception outside. The pros filled the space with summery colors like red and blue using rentals from Mint Event Finds and lighting from Christos Soleas. While seasonal décor is a must when crafting a summer event, there's one other factor to consider: It's also key to keep guests' comfort in mind—which is why we've also provided plenty of ideas that will help your attendees beat the heat, stave off mosquitoes, and avoid other summertime nuisances. From décor suggestions to practical advice, this list has it all. So, before you plan your summer wedding, take get inspired by the idea ahead. With all of this inspiration under your belt, your nuptials will feel like the ultimate summer vacation for your celebrants. 01 of 33 Airy Dress Ashley Ludaescher Photography If you're tying the knot during the summer, you might be thinking of wearing a short dress. Not only did this Zimmerman number's length help keep the bride cool, but the cutouts on the back made the look even more warm-weather ready. Summer Wedding Dresses Perfect for Warmer Weather 02 of 33 Fan Menus The Happy Bloom At your summertime event, your paper goods will be even more impressive if they serve a dual purpose. These folding menus by The Paper Refinery doubled as fans to help guests cool off during the reception. The floral print on the back of the stationery also matched the table's Floressence Flowers centerpiece and décor by Willow & Oak. 03 of 33 Bright Mix Sotiris Tsakanikas Fewer things scream summer more than a pink-and-orange color palette, which makes this Splendid Events centerpiece particularly seasonal. Take notes from the pros and use the colors throughout your own floral arrangements. Sliced fruit also nod to summer. Stunning Summer Centerpieces Using In-Season Flowers 04 of 33 Orange Tree Rachel Solomon Photography Florals are always a welcome addition to a ceremony aisle, but for a summer wedding, we think orange trees are an even better option. LVL Weddings & Events proved flowers and oranges look even prettier together than they do apart when styling the last row of this ceremony's chairs; the team also added a small mix of roses from Heavenly Blooms to the bottom of the display. 05 of 33 Blush Dresses Kerry Jeanne Photography Emphasize your in-season pink-and-white color scheme by making like this bride and outfitting your bridesmaids in blush gowns. These attendants' ensembles matched their muted bouquets from Bellaflora Farms perfectly. The Prettiest Pink Bridesmaids' Dresses for Spring 06 of 33 Seasonal Welcome Basket J. Harper Photography Welcome your attendees to your warm-weather event by treating them to some seasonal goodies. We're pretty sure they'll thank you for something like this summery spread, complete with honey and gin from Bar Hill, florals from Tarrnation Flower Farm, and twine from Silk & Willow. 07 of 33 Fans Elias Kordelakos If your ceremony will take place in an outdoor area without shade, you'll need to find another way to help your guests beat the heat. That's why The Twelve Events set up this fan station at this summertime event. 08 of 33 Orange Escort Cards Hunter Ryan Photography During the summer, so many different flowers, fruits, and vegetables are in peak season, which means it's beyond easy to incorporate them into your big-day décor. Want a truly inspired idea? Just look to these citrus escort cards by Dana Marino Design and Fabulously Chic. Insanely Creative Escort Cards and Seating Displays 09 of 33 Watermelon Caroline Tran Photography Chances are, your cocktail hour and reception will be full of seasonal favorites, but for a truly refreshing bite, we suggest passing around frozen watermelon slices. Unexpected Wedding Food Ideas Your Guests Will Love 10 of 33 Hats Anna Roussos There are many ways to keep your guests cool during your outdoor ceremony (think parasols or ceremony program fans). For some, a hat is the best option. We're loving the off-white fedoras that were provided at this event. Not only were they a stylish way to combat the heat, but attendees could also wear them after the wedding was over. 11 of 33 Airy Seating Chart Elizabeth Fogarty Photography There's something so light and airy about acrylic details—two elements that are a must for summer wedding décor. This see-through seating chart by Kari Rider Events and Steph B. & Co. hit both notes and placed all of the emphasis on the in-season blooms from Crimson & Clover. Lucite Wedding Ideas for the Minimalist Couple 12 of 33 Cool Couple Imaj Gallery It's important that both the bride and groom are comfortable at their summer wedding. Whether you're planning on wearing a full-length gown or a tuxedo, make like this couple and make attire tweaks that work with the season. The short sleeves on the bride's Oscar de la Renta dress and the light color of the groom's Suit it Up Manila tux ensured they felt (and looked!) great all day long. 13 of 33 Beige Bridesmaids' Attire Michelle Beller To keep cool on a hot summer day, light colors (not dark shades, which absorb sunrays!) are a must. Consider beige gowns—these were from Watters—for your bridal party. The thoughtfully selected attire will help your 'maids stay comfortable without sacrificing style. Neutral Beige Bridesmaids' Dresses Your Entire Wedding Party Will Love 14 of 33 Kumquats Rebecca Yale Photography One of the best parts about summery fruits? They add a bit of color wherever you decide to use them. On this neutral table by Twofold LA, kumquats were featured on both the settings and in the centerpiece (full of white lilies from Emblem Flowers) for a pop of orange. Adding beachy texture—consider something like these wicker chargers from Borrowed BLU—will only add to the summer vibe. 15 of 33 Oysters Sarah Carpenter Photography Seafood is a summertime staple, so feel free to offer it at your cocktail hour. These oysters from Ravishing Radish Catering were just one small part of this event's seasonal spread. How to Choose a Summer Wedding Menu That'll Hold Up in the Heat—and Help Keep Guests Cool! 16 of 33 Blue, White, and Gray Sotiris Tsakanikas When thinking of your and your future husband's big-day looks, draw inspiration from your favorite summer color palettes. Although blue, white, and gray were an unexpected choice for this bride's Golden Apple Weddings bouquet and groom's Menz Club tux, they still felt seasonal. Our Favorite Summer Wedding Color Palettes 17 of 33 Clear Seating Chart Vicki Grafton If the beautiful outdoors is the setting for your summer wedding, you won't want anything to obstruct your view—including your seating chart. Guest found their seats (and enjoyed the landscape of Stone Tower Winery) at this event via this acrylic setup by Leah Letters and Ashlee Virginia Events. Planters full of florals from Nature Composed were added the display to emphasize the outdoor vibe. 18 of 33 Yellow Cake Pinkerton Photography For a wedding cake with summer vibes, ask your baker to work with a vibrant color palette and in-season florals. That's exactly what Růže Cake House did when creating this confection. The pros worked with yellow buttercream and orange-and-pink roses to make the ultimate summer dessert. Yellow Wedding Ideas That Will Make Your Day Bright and Cheery 19 of 33 Popsicles Anna Delores Photography Fruity cocktails aren't the only summer signature drink option out there. Instead, bring seasonal flair to your beverages in an unexpected (and tasty) way by serving popsicles. These iterations served as both swizzle sticks and ice cubes and came with a message—written by Sophia Loves Letters—prompting guests to "stay cool." Frozen Drink Ideas for Summer Weddings 20 of 33 Floral Stationery Krista Mason Photography Floral stationery will let your guests know about your warm-weather big day before they even see the date on the card. Attendees got a glimpse of the orange-and-pink peonies on this Betty Lu Paperie suite thanks to a see-through vellum envelope. 21 of 33 Shell Cake Erich McVey If you're throwing a seaside ceremony, draw inspiration from your surroundings when designing your big-day confection. Mussel shells added a bit of verticality, color, and seasonality to this one-tier by Yam & Bean. Ideas for an Elevated Beach Wedding 22 of 33 Ice Cream Jenn Emerling For a warm-weather event, replace a traditional wedding cake with ice cream. The frozen treat is a no-brainer when it comes to staving off the heat. Nimble & Finn's served up a variety of flavors at this couple's summer celebration. 23 of 33 Flavored Water Ashley Ludaescher Photography It goes without saying that water is a necessity at any summertime wedding, but that doesn't mean that it has to be plain. To make the refreshment a little more appealing, serve it flavored, like Danae Grace Events did here, by adding in sliced fruits. Non-Alcoholic Hydration Stations Your Wedding Guests Will Appreciate 24 of 33 Sunglasses Pat Furey Photography Searching for a practical accessory for your wedding look? Sunglasses—these were from The Market NYC—will do the trick. 25 of 33 Parasols Stefano Santucci We'd argue that there's not much better than a destination wedding during the summer, but make sure your guests are protected from the sun; this couple passed out parasols to do so. To nod to their Italian location, the umbrellas sat in an embroidered basket reading "pazzo di te," or "crazy about you." Ways to Keep Guests Cool at Your Warm-Weather Wedding 26 of 33 Sturdy Shoes Carrie Patterson During your outdoor wedding, you won't want to wear stilettoes that sink into the grass, ruining the shoe forever. Instead, opt for something with a sturdy block heel, like these Alexandre Birman sandals. Best Shoes for a Bride to Wear to a Summer Wedding 27 of 33 Colorful Attire Michael & Carina Photography Summer is the season of vibrant colors, so why wouldn't you want to wear them down the aisle? This bride and groom—the former in Abbeydale and the latter in Monique Lhuillier—wore bright hues that worked with their summertime event. Our Favorite Colorful Dresses from Real Weddings 28 of 33 Convertible Portraits Vienna Glenn Photography After your warm-weather reception, take a few photos (and a ride) with your new husband or wife in a convertible and enjoy the evening air. 29 of 33 Bug Spray Photography By Loren If there's one drawback to summer, it's the bugs. That's why it's important to make sure guests are equipped with plenty of bug spray (like this couple did here) if your reception is outdoors. 30 of 33 Thematic Welcome Bags Hunter Ryan Photo Welcome guests to your wedding with gifts that'll help them enjoy the warmer weather. This couple offered Turkish towels, sunglasses, boxed water, and more to their attendees. Get More Wedding Welcome Bag Ideas 31 of 33 Hydration Station Elizabeth LaDuca Make sure that water is readily accessible throughout your celebration. If you're feeling extra crafty, you can turn glass bottles into table numbers for your reception—just add digits with paint! 32 of 33 Creative Cocktails Gaby J Photography We recommend serving lighter libations for an extra-refreshing cocktail hour. A few floating petals in each glass—like those in these Weddings & Events by Emily drinks—are always a pretty touch. Alternatively, opt for frozen drinks! Get More Floral Cocktail Ideas 33 of 33 S'mores Bar Sanaz Photography Serve up your favorite summertime snack (s'mores!) in a stylish way. Mallow Mallow provided these treats. See More S'mores Wedding Desserts Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit